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A day in the life of a Tennessee legislator

A day in the life of a Tennessee legislator

Rep. Sheila Butt

Last week was a flurry of activity at the State Capitol. We are already in high gear with lobbyists, citizens and constituents milling around in Legislative Plaza and visiting our offices. Just for your insight and information, I thought I would share with you what one of my days looks like when we are in session.

This past Wednesday morning there was a Prayer Alliance meeting at 7:30. Most Wednesday mornings there is a devotional at Legislative Plaza at 7:30. I try to make those on a regular basis.

At 9 a.m., we went into session. We passed a Consent Calendar, took bills off of notice, had “personal orders” and made announcements. As soon as the session was over, there were other legislators to get to on the House floor to discuss my legislation as well as theirs. I try very hard not to duplicate something that another legislator is carrying. Many of these types of discussions take place early in the session, because until bills are filed, we have no way of knowing what another legislator is proposing.

At 10 a.m., I met with four members of the Environmental Council in my office to discuss solar energy, TVA’s involvement and the future and availability of solar energy in Tennessee.

At 10:30 a.m., I had a bill that was to be presented in Human Resources Subcommittee and after going to present it, I found out that the bill had been moved to the Civil Justice committee at another time.

At 11 a.m., I had a meeting with Lauren Plunk and Deborah Loveless from the Comptroller’s Office, trying to find ways for Tennessee to be financially ready if and when the 45 percent of our State Budget that is sent to us by the federal government dries up. I believe that eventually the federal government will quit sending money back to Tennessee for many of our programs, because they are already borrowing 40 cents of every dollar they send back to us. I am also trying to find out how much it costs our programs to take the federal dollars. Many times, I believe, it costs us more in mandates than we receive.

At 11:30 a.m., I met with concerned parents who believe that our children are being tested to the limits in our public schools. They told me about bright children that they know who are now going to therapy because they feel pressured by testing. They mentioned that the parents don’t even know what tests are required by the State and by the Districts and are clueless about the required tests their children are taking. They asked that I sponsor some kind of bill that would require that parents be notified about testing schedules and requirements. They mentioned that parents often never see the tests or what the children were tested on. They were in my office over an hour and I agreed with them that we need to find solutions. I will be running a bill that would require parental notification.

Thankfully, my great assistant Jan had built in some time for a bite of lunch. At 1 p.m., I met with Trammel Hohen, a legislative liaison, who was lobbying for HB 1422 that would require background checks for Office of Information Resources employees that have access to certain sensitive information. (Unless the bill changes and is amended to say something else, that was pretty much a no brainer, for me.)

At 1:30 p.m., I met with David Thurman from the Budget Office to discuss with him our contingency plan for Tennessee to remain fiscally sound when the federal money disappears. I am finding great resources and people who understand my concern. I know we can get prepared. As I have told them, I am concerned only for the stability of the great State of Tennessee when the “house of cards” crumbles.

At 2:30 p.m., I had a great meeting with James Coy, Executive Director of the South Central Human Resource Agency. He informed me that the agency had helped 3,585 people in Maury County last year with services for the elderly and disabled, community intervention, nutrition, youth services, transportation, education and employment.

From 3 until 4 p.m., I lobbied members of the Education Committee for my bill which would require that cursive writing be taught to every student in public school.

At 4 p.m., I attended a meeting with other legislators who also have bills regarding education in Tennessee. I sat in the quiet cafeteria for about an hour from 5 p.m. until 6 and at 8 p.m. I was finishing this Legislative Update for you.

I have always been a perpetual student and I thrive on learning. I believe that makes me a pretty good fit as a state legislator. I am learning new things constantly. I try to be open minded and was told today by someone that they could never count on my vote because I “actually read the bills.” I think that’s a good thing, don’t you?

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